MOUNT VERNON — Back in March, when the state transportation budget was signed by Gov. John Kasich, it contained a little-noted provision that may cut down on paperwork and personnel time police agencies use in dealing with minor accidents that involve no injuries. Or it may not have much effect at all, according to local law enforcement.
Until now, state law required police to investigate any crash that involved $400 in damage or more or if someone was hurt. The new standard is $1,000.
The measures may result in some savings by local police agencies, but the prime motivation is to update state processes, explained local State Rep. Margaret Ann Ruhl, R-Mount Vernon.
“It will cut down on the number of reports police have to send to the Department of Public Safety,” said Ruhl. “We’re looking at some cost savings, reducing mandates and making things easier on individual budgets.”
“I don’t see any change on our level,” said Mount Vernon Police Chief Mike Merrilees. Even if there is no injury, he said, “We’ll do a report if either party wants a report.”
